Ansible Automation Hub

As a system admin, you're constantly on the lookout for ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The Hub cuts through that by offering a central repository packed with pre-built, certified tools (Ansible Content Collections) designed for various IT environments. These collections bundle modules, plugins, roles, and documentation, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. Distributing these secure, tested tools across your team is a breeze, ensuring everyone's on the same page and minimizing errors. The Hub also acts as a single source of truth for all your automation content, simplifying updates, version control, and access management.

we can access different types of content in a private automation hub

1. Redhat-certified content:  we can access the certified content and support found in the automation hub on the Red Hat Hybrid Cloud Console.
2.  we can access community collection from Ansible Galaxy
3. We can also create our own content in the private automation hub

Key configuration Files for automation hub:

1. Settings File ('galaxy.yml'): This file contains the main configuration settings for Automation Hub, such as database settings, authentication, and content paths.
2. Database Configuration('database.yml'): This file tells Automation Hub how to talk to its database. Think of it as a map with instructions like the database type (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL), the server address, and the username and password for access.
3. Redis Configuration('redis.yml'): This file defines the settings for Automation Hub's connection to a Redis server. Redis is a super-fast storage system that Automation Hub uses to temporarily hold information (caching) and potentially perform other tasks to improve its speed and efficiency.
4. logging Configuration('logging.yml'): This file controls how Automation Hub keeps track of its activities. It sets the detail level of the logs (how much information is recorded), where those logs are stored, and how often the log files are refreshed to keep things tidy.
5. Scretes configurations('secrets.yml'): It stores sensitive information like encryption keys, which are critical for keeping Automation Hub's data secure. Think of it as a vault that safeguards classified information.

Test Connectivity between automation controller and Hub:

1.  Check network connectivity: Login into the automation controller and ping the automation hub #ping <automationhub-ipaddress
2. Verify Poor connectivity: The automation hub runs on port 443(i.e., HTTPS) we can verify poor connectivity using nc or telnet #nc -zv <automation_hub_hostname_or_ip> 443
1. Configure the Automation Hub in the Automation Controller  3.1 Login intothe automation controller as Administrator and then Go to Repositories 

                click the "ADD" button and fill the

             URL : https://automation-hub.example.com

             Auth Type: Token or username/passwd

             Credentials : Either API Token or username/passwd

4. Click on the Test button to verify the connection to the Automation Hub.If the connection is successful, you should see a confirmation message.